Maharanyam Sri.Sri.Muralidhara Swamigal under took the humble task of establishing a Nandhavanam with thulasi plant and a variety of flowers, to be used for the worship of various deities. His effort, which cost Rs.2.00 lakhs was aided. The land for the garden and electricity facilities was provided by the temple authorities. Today nearly 30 varieties of flowers make a Nandavanam a truly delightful place. Some exclusive varieties also blossom in certain seasons. The flowers are plucked by men and women devotees daily who string them into pure and and fragrant garlands to adorn the deities. devotees and their joy in worshipping the Gods with flowers grown in the temple precincts, is to be seen to the believed. Indeed,the dream of Sri.Periazhwar, Sri.Thondaradipodi azhwar and andal has come true and devotees who have contributed to the success of Nandhavanam can legitimately take pride in that they are also part of this great service.
However, sustaining this yeoman service requires continuous assistance and aid. The average life of a plant is not more than 3 years and certain varieties do not last longer than a year which means at regular intervals of 6 months to one year, new plants of one or another variety have to be planted and for this new saplings have to be purchased. Moreover periodical weeding manturing ad pruning besides daily watering also need to be undertaken. For this a permanent gardener has to be appointed.
In essence, to maintain Nandhavanam and to meet the above expenses, we need the generous assistance of asthigas and everyone else who can help nurture this venture and keep it growing.
Based on the present monthly expenditure, it has also been decided to have Corpus Fund of Rs.20.00 Lakhs OR Rs.10,000/- pm to meet the expenditure from the interest accured. Rendering such a service to the Supreme Lord by decorating him with fragrant flowers was the cherished service of our Azhwars and Acharyas which is evident from the Divyaprabandham and the Stotras. We request all asthigas to contribute liberally and blessings of god, azhwars and acharyas alike.
